PLOS Computational Biology Archives

Legends: FA—fatty acid; PL—phospholipid (i.e., phosphatidic acid here); G—glycerophosphate; Gp—glycerophosphate precursor (e.g., glycerol); GR—glycerophosphate-synthetase ribozyme (here representing the ribozyme favoring the synthesis of phospholipids). The glycerophosphates produced through the catalysis of GR may reach the membrane and non-enzymatically react with fatty acids therein to form phosphatidic acids (the phospholipid molecules synthesized on the inner layer of the membrane may flip to the outer layer). The formation of phospholipids on the membrane would prevent fatty acids from leaving the membrane to a certain extent, which results in a net inflow of fatty acids in the lipid competition. With the growth of the membrane, the number of GR within the protocell may increase as a result of RNA replication. -- PLoS

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report

Evolution Associated With The Membrane-takeover At An Early Stage Of Life

by Keith CowingJune 21, 2025June 21, 2025

Modern cell membranes are primarily composed of phospholipids, while primitive cell membranes in the beginning of life are believed to have formed from simpler lipids (such as fatty acids) synthesized […]

Grudge, The Cat, in Sickbay on Starship Discovery - Paramount

Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors

Tricorder Tech: House Cats’ Noses May Function Like A Parallel Coiled Gas Chromatograph

by Keith CowingJune 30, 2023June 30, 2023

Editor’s note: If you are on another world looking for life forms, hazardous chemicals, or other important data during your Away Mission, you will probably be using your tricorder. Guess […]